
Double-acting vs. single-acting — which pneumatic ball valve?
| Feature | Double-acting (DA) | Single-acting spring-return (SR) |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | air in both directions | air opens, spring closes (NC) — or reverse (NO) |
| Fail position | stays in last position on air loss | valve returns to spring position (fail-safe) |
| Torque | higher (both piston sides work) | reduced (spring counterforce) |
| Solenoid | 5/2-way NAMUR | 3/2-way NAMUR |
| Typical use | process control, frequent switching | safety valves, emergency shutdown, fail-safe |
For safety-critical installations choose the single-acting spring-return ball valve with NC (spring-close) option — the fail-safe ball valve closes automatically on air loss. For standard process control the double-acting pneumatic ball valve delivers maximum torque and switching speed. Both types mount a NAMUR solenoid valve directly on the actuator per VDI/VDE 3845 for electrical control.
Pneumatic ball valve — technical data
- Nominal size: DN8 to DN200
- Connection: threaded (ISO 7-1, ISO 228), flanged (PN10–PN40), weld-end
- Body: stainless steel 1.4408/1.4404, brass CW617N, steel, ductile iron GGG40
- Ball: stainless steel (chrome-plated), stainless steel 1.4301 hollow, brass (chrome-plated)
- Seat seal: TFM1600 (PTFE), PTFE+15 % GF, FKM
- Bore: full bore or reduced bore; 3-way L-bore or T-bore
- Actuator: aluminium, hard-anodised, ISO 5211 flange, NAMUR interface
- Actuation: double-acting (DA) or single-acting spring-return (SR) — NC or NO
- Operating pressure (actuator): 5–8 bar
- Operating pressure (valve): up to PN63 (threaded), up to PN40 (flanged)
- Temperature: −25 °C to +180 °C (standard PTFE); −15 °C to +90 °C (brass/FKM)
- Certifications: TA Luft, Fire Safe, ATEX, AD2000-A4, DVGW gas (DIN EN 13774), DVGW drinking water, WRAS
- Conformity:EU Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU

Accessories — solenoid valve, limit switch, positioner and sensor
Every pneumatic ball valve from Fergo ships as a complete, pre-assembled automated ball valve unit. Standard accessories mounted on the actuator include:
- NAMUR solenoid valve — 3/2-way (single-acting) or 5/2-way (double-acting), direct-mounted per VDI/VDE 3845, 24 V DC or 230 V AC
- Switchmaster limit switch box — open/close position feedback via inductive sensors or micro-switches, visual indicator
- Siemens SIPART PS2 positioner — 4–20 mA / HART for modulating control (not just on/off but proportional positioning)
- IFM inductive dual sensor — contactless position feedback, ATEX-rated
- Stem extension — for insulated or buried pipelines
Fergo handles actuator sizing, accessory selection, assembly and functional testing. The automated ball valve ships as a single unit — ready to connect to your air supply and PLC.
Pneumatic ball valve stainless steel vs. brass
| Feature | Stainless steel (KH154 / KH113) | Brass (KH105) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | 1.4408 (CF8M / SS316) | CW617N |
| Seat | TFM1600 / PTFE+GF | PTFE + FKM |
| Pressure | up to PN63 | up to PN25 |
| Temperature | −25 °C to +180 °C | −15 °C to +90 °C |
| Certifications | TA Luft, Fire Safe, ATEX, AD2000 | WRAS, DVGW |
| Best for | chemicals, pharma, steam, aggressive media | drinking water, HVAC, irrigation |
The pneumatic ball valve stainless steel is the first choice for corrosive media and high-temperature service. The brass air operated ball valve suits potable water, heating and compressed air at moderate conditions. Check material compatibility with our resistance check tool.
Applications — chemicals, water, oil/gas, pharma and HVAC
The pneumatic ball valve suits any application requiring remote, automated or fail-safe shut-off. In the chemical and petrochemical industry, pneumatically actuated ball valves in stainless steel with TA Luft and ATEX certification isolate aggressive process media in Ex zones. In drinking water and gas networks, DVGW-certified pneumatic brass ball valves provide automated backflow prevention and zone isolation. In pharmaceutical and food processing, pneumatic ball valves stainless steel enable CIP-compatible, hygienic shut-off. In oil and gas, fire-safe spring-return ball valves deliver emergency shutdown (ESD) on air loss. In HVAC and district heating, compressed air ball valves automate zone control on headers and risers. For electric automation without compressed air compare our electric ball valves.
Pneumatic ball valve in stock — EU-wide delivery
Fergo stocks 392 pneumatic ball valve variants — pre-assembled and functionally tested — for immediate dispatch across Europe. Standard shipping via DHL typically arrives in 2–7 working days. Each ball valve with pneumatic actuator ships with datasheet, declaration of conformity and air connection diagram. All certificates — TA Luft, Fire Safe, DVGW, AD2000, WRAS, ATEX — are available for download.
Single-acting pneumatic ball valves have a pneumatic actuator that controls valve operation in one direction only (opening or closing), while a spring provides the reset. Double-acting pneumatic ball valves control operation pneumatically in both directions (opening and closing).
The pressure and temperature ranges of pneumatic ball valves vary depending on the material and design of the valve. Stainless steel valves are often suitable for higher pressures and temperatures, while brass valves are designed for medium ranges.
Pneumatic ball valves require regular maintenance, including inspection and cleaning of the actuator, seals and valve components to ensure optimum performance and longevity.
A pneumatic 3-way ball valve allows the flow to be controlled in three different directions. It is used in applications that require the diversion, mixing or distribution of fluids.
A pneumatic ball valve is a ball valve that is operated by a pneumatic actuator. The actuator uses compressed air to rotate the valve body, which controls the flow of liquids or gases. We offer accessories such as solenoid valves, limit switch boxes and adapters with pneumatic ball valves. You can contact us to find out which accessories are required for the ball valves. We will put together the accessories on your request.
A pneumatic ball valve made of brass offers good corrosion resistance and is more cost-effective than stainless steel. It is often used in less aggressive environments such as drinking water, heating systems and at lower pressures.
Yes, there are pneumatic ball valves that are specially designed for use in drinking water applications. These are made from materials that meet the strict requirements for drinking water.
A pneumatic ball valve made of stainless steel offers high corrosion resistance and durability and is ideal for applications in aggressive environments and at high temperatures and pressures. A pneumatic ball valve made of brass can be used in drinking water applications.
A flanged ball valve with pneumatic actuator is a ball valve with flanged connections that is operated by a pneumatic actuator. It is used in industries that require reliable and tight connections at high pressures and temperatures.A flanged ball valve with pneumatic actuator is a ball valve with flanged connections that is operated by a pneumatic actuator. It is used in industries that require reliable and tight connections at high pressures and temperatures.
















